TYPE PURPOSE ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
B1 Business
  • Negotiate Business deals in US
  • Conduct an Arbitration
  • Generate Customers
  • Maids, Butlers, Chauffeurs, and other personal attendants accompanying their employer to the US.
  • Quick and Easy. Citizens of most Western European Countries and Japan, do not even need a visa, but can come on Temporary Business with just their passports. for those who need visas they are relatively easy to obtain.
  • Time in the US is limited as is the scope of activities. Any kind of ”work” – even voluntary or charitable work is strictly prohibited.
E1 Treaty Traders
  • Individuals who own 50% or more of a business at least one half of which is conducted with the country of which they are a citizen
  • Indefinite Term. This visa can be renewed almost automatically as long as the investment remains in an ongoing business.
  • Spouses and dependent children under the age of 21 can obtain employment permission enabling them to work any where they want without restriction
  • for many individuals obtaining this visa is better than becoming a permanent resident because they can remain out of the US as long as they like without losing their visa whereas Permanent Residents should not leave the US for more than 6 months. There are also significant tax advantages. A visa holder is not required to pay US taxes on his worldwide income, unlike a permanent resident.
  • Only citizens from a limited number of countries qualify for this visa.
  • The 50% trade requirement severely limits the number of people and business who can take advantage of this visa.
E2 Treaty Investor
  • Individuals who invest $100,000 in cash or notes into a US business of which they own at least 50%.
  • Indefinite Term. This visa too can be renewed almost automatically as long as the investment remains in an ongoing business.
  • The type of business is irrelevant. Any business you choose to invest in is ok as long as it is an active business. Passive investment such as ownership of empty land, or stock investments are not considered an investment in ongoing businesses.
  • Spouses and dependent children under the age of 21 can obtain employment permission enabling them to work any where they want without restriction.
  • for many individuals obtaining this visa is better than becoming a permanent resident because they can remain out of the US as long as they like without losing their visa whereas Permanent Residents should not leave the US for more than 6 months. There are also significant tax advantages. A visa holder is not required to pay US taxes on his worldwide income, unlike a permanent resident.
  • Only citizens from a limited number of countries qualify for this visa.
H1B Temporary Professionals
  • Companies who have a temporary need for Professional workers can bring over them over for up to 6 years.
  • The individual beneficiary must have a University Degree or 12 years experience in their field of expertise.
  • Can be obtain within a couple of months. Canadians have special provisions which allow them to process directly at the border the day the wish to come to the US.
  • The term of 6 years cannot be extended
H2B Temporary Worker
  • This is for Skilled or Unskilled workers coming to fill a temporary position. If the job continues to exist after the person leaves the US it is not considered temporary.
  • It is most often used for Lesser known Entertainers, Athletes, and other Performers
  • It is the only visa which allows an unskilled worker or lesser known entertainer to come to the US and work on a temporary basis.
  • Cannot be used for more than one year at a time. And has a maximum of three years.
  • Individual can only be employed by one employer.
  • family dependents cannot work in the US.
H3 Trainees
  • foreign individuals employed by US Companies abroad who are sent to the US for training.
  • foreign individuals employed by foreign companies overseas that a have a special relationship with a US Company.
  • Can be obtained relatively quickly.
  • Will permit the individual to train and to work in the US as long as the paid work is incidental to the training.
  • Usually only approved for a maximum of 18 months
L1 Intracompany Transfers
  • Managers or Executives of overseas companies who are transferred to US branches, subsidiaries, or affiliates on a temporary basis.
  • Visas can be issued quickly
  • Dependent spouse and children can obtain unrestricted legal work permission in the US.
  • Larger companies can obtain blanket approvals rather than individual approvals which permits individuals to apply for the L1 visa directly at the local US Consulate.
  • Limitation of 7 years
J1 Exchange Visa
  • Many purposes but for business the primary reason would be to have someone sent to the US for training purposes.
  • It is not as restrictive as the H3.
  • Before applying with Immigration we need to obtain an approval of the training program from the US Information Agency.
  • Generally business training is only approved for 18 months.
O1 Persons of Extraordinary ability
  • for person recognized as the top tier in the arts , athletics, science, business and education
  • This visa is limited to Academy award winners, Noble Prize recipients, Major League Players, and the like.
  • INS approval and overseas visas can be obtained quickly.
  • Individual can obtain permission to remain in the US up to 10 years.
  • Restricted to all but a very few eligible persons.
P1 Visas for Outstanding Athletes, Teams and Entertainment Companies
  • Similar to the O1 Visa but intended for Internationally recognized groups.
  • INS approval and overseas visas can be obtained quickly.
  • Individual can obtain permission to remain in the US up to 10 years..
  • Restricted to all but a very few eligible persons.


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